News

FG Slashes Wage By N100bn, Labour Kicks

Published

2 years ago

November 23, 2023

Labour unions, on Wednesday, lambasted the Federal Government for slashing the supplementary budgetary allocation for wage awards to federal civil servants by N100bn, warning that this was not the agreement they had with the government.

Data obtained from the newly Revised 2023 Supplementary Budget, indicated that the government swapped the controversial N5bn presidential yacht votes for Navy barges, increased the budget for defence from N476.54bn to N546.21bn and earmarked N20bn as capital supplementation for the National Intelligence Agency.

The PUNCH reports that the recently approved N2.1tn 2023 Supplementary Budget was marred with controversy following the discovery of seemingly extravagant items, forcing an amendment by the National Assembly.

In the proposed document, the four-month wage award was to cost the Federal Government around N210bn. However, the approved and newly revised document showed that it would now cost the Federal Government about N110bn.

Also in the revised budget, the Ministry of Defence budget rose from N476.54bn to N546.21bn, indicating an additional allocation of N69.67bn.

Under the ministry, the Nigerian Navy, which was earlier caught up in the controversial N5.095bn for the purchase of a presidential yacht, got an additional N25bn to its total allocation.

Its total allocation rose from N62.8bn in the proposed supplementary budget to N87.8bn in the approved document.

It also observed that the presidential yacht was replaced by the purchase of a self-propelled barge with the same amount of N5.095bn. Self-propelled barges are cargo-carrying vessels specifically engineered for operation on inland waterways.

The Nigerian Navy also got extra allocation for the construction of two buildings in Enugu and Ebonyi worth N3bn each.

About N19bn was also allocated for the purchase of two tugboats, which are used to pull or push other large ships for manoeuvring or salvage purposes.

The Defence Intelligence Agency got an extra N30bn to its total allocation, from N17.04bn in the proposed document to N47.04bn in the approved copy.

It was further observed that allocations to the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, increased by N20.3bn from N29.7bn to N50.02bn.

Similarly, the purchase of official vehicles for the office of the First Lady valued at N1.5bn remained in the budget, while the education loan fund for funding student loans was increased to N10bn from N5.5bn previously allotted.

Recall that the Federal Government, as part of steps to assuage labour unions, had granted a wage award of N35,000 to all Federal Government workers “beginning from September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.”

President Bola Tinubu had declared during his Independence Day speech that “low-grade workers” in the federal civil service would be awarded a wage of N25,000.

The amount was then increased to N35,000 following discussions with the organised labour unions. However, civil servants received a single payment of N35,000 for September only and not for two months as promised.

It is still unknown why the Federal Government decided to slash the allocation of wage awards for federal workers, but the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress warned that this would be resisted.

NLC, TUC warns govt

Commenting on the development, the Assistant General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress, Chris Onyeka, said the agreement was for the government to raise the wages of federal civil servants and not to reduce them.

He said, “Are you saying they cut down the wage awards by N100bn? Well, we have been talking about the high cost of governance and if they decided to reduce their bills by cutting down their numerous aides and assistants, that’s alright.

“But if it is that they don’t want to pay workers what they are supposed to pay, then there is a problem. How can you subject workers to further reductions in their salaries? No way! We agreed to a wage award of N35,000 to all federal workers, so the wage award has to increase.”

Also speaking, the Head of Information, NLC, Benson Upah, said, “We were not informed before this was done. However, this behaviour is not inconsistent with the psychology of this government. It’s sad!”

The Trade Union Congress warned the Federal Government against playing games with the wage award for Nigerian workers.

The National Deputy President, TUC, Tommy Etim, said, “The government cannot play games with the wage award because it was an agreement reached with the organised labour and the instrument of agreement reached was deposited in the court.

“The government is the manager of funds and our business is to ensure compliance to the agreement is reached.”

Efforts to get the Presidency to speak on why the award was reduced were unsuccessful, as officials contacted at the villa could not provide any explanation at the time of filing this report.

Tinubu had during his Independence Day speech assured Nigerians that low-grade workers in the federal civil service would be awarded a provisional wage increase of N25,000 for the next six months.

The amount was then increased to N35,000 following discussions with organised labour organisations, as this led to an increase of the wage bill to N315bn.

The agreements made the organised labour suspend its proposed nationwide strike for 30 days, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government.

But the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, had added a caveat that the unions would revisit the agreement if the Federal Government failed to fulfil their demands.

The PUNCH had reported that civil servants under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure received a single payment of N35,000 for September only and not for two months as promised.

“Yes, I did receive it. I saw the alert about 15 minutes ago. I think it is for September because the alert indicated September,” a civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, had confirmed last month.

Another civil servant had said, “Yes, I have seen mine too but we are expecting to see another alert because the President said it would start from September. So maybe another one will come, which will read October.”

With the accelerating inflation rate in Nigeria, workers had urged the Federal Government to give them fair compensation at the time it planned to review the minimum wage in Nigeria.

Workers, who spoke to The PUNCH, lamented that the escalating inflationary pressures were taking a serious toll on their finances, eroding their purchasing power.

A civil servant, who identified himself as Opeyemi, said the economic situation was becoming unbearable because most of the prices of food in the market had increased.

He claimed the amount he spent weekly on transport fares to the office had tripled.

He noted that though the Lagos State Government had promised some palliatives, he was not sure if other workers in other states were receiving that also.
PUNCH

News

What Tinubu Told Me And Akume At Private Meeting – Benue Gov

Published

5 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday opened up on a truce-seeking meeting he held with President Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

The governor, who was a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme, said the President convened the meeting as part of a political solution to end the gruesome killings in the state.

Benue, a food-producing state in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, has been under heavy attacks by suspected herdsmen for some time. The killings have lingered for years, with some linking it to inter-communal conflicts as well as the quest for land dominance between the autochthonous agrarian dwellers and nomadic cattle rearers.

However, the killings in the last few weeks have been without a break. At least over 160 residents were confirmed killed in a series of attacks by suspected herdsmen who wreaked havoc in different communities in the state.

On Sunday, the President charged the governor with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.

There have been reports of perceived feud between Alia and Akume, a former governor of the state, over the control of the structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Both Alia and Akume are members of the ruling party.

On Monday, Alia said the crisis must be tackled with different methods including reconciliations.

He said, “We have a complex situation that is primarily being sponsored from somewhere, being remote-controlled from somewhere.

“We would be able to contain the intra-local government and the intra-local government crises in the state.

“The problem here is the externals who come in armed with their AK-47 and their AK-49.

“I think the president is not wrong to have said that we should find a common ground for reconciliation.

“He had invited the SGF and myself because of what he was hearing out there in the public. He tried to find out whether there were some differences between us.

“The SGF himself said there were no differences between us. If they were, going forward, there would be no anxiety at all. So, the traditional institutions should go to their beds with eyes closed.”

Alia also refuted claims that the Federal Government has not come to the aid of the people of Benue State to defend them against vicious, blood-thirsty marauders.

“If he (President Bola Tinubu) didn’t have an understanding of what is going on, he won’t be giving us full support,” the governor said on the television programme.

“Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege and then we fought it down to nine local governments. We fought it down to six and now to three. It came down because of the full support we got from the Federal Government.”

News

Obi Berates Tinubu For ‘Ignoring’ Benue, Says No Value For Human Lives

Published

6 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for lack of “leadership empathy” over the recent killing of over 50 people in Benue State, as well as the recent flooding in Niger State.

In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi wondered why there were no presidential visits to Benue and Niger states despite the loss of lives in both incidents.

The former governor of Anambra State blamed this on a lack of competence, capacity, character and compassion on the part of the Nigerian leader.

In contrast, he gave an example of how both Indian and South African leaders were quick to visit the scene of a plane crash and flooding in their respective countries, saying that was leadership with compassion.

“Sadly, the evidence is right before our eyes. Recently, we witnessed severe flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives, with many still missing. Yet, not even a single presidential visit, this, in a nation where the scene of the tragedy is less than an hour away by helicopter.

“Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians, innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers, were massacred in Benue State. Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning. No leadership face to comfort the grieving or give hope to the people.

“Yet, we have seen what true leadership looks like elsewhere: In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours.

“In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility.

“That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life. But here in Nigeria, we have normalised leadership without empathy, without accountability, and without a human face.

“That is why I insist: Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader, a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue,” Obi’s post read.

Obi also warned that Nigeria will keep facing failed leadership if citizens continue to vote along tribal lines rather than based on competence and capacity.

He maintained that where competence, capacity, character and compassion are non-existent, there is no magic one can do to improve the leadership of any nation.

“Leadership of a nation is such that it’s either succeeding or failing, none can be hidden. There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion. Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do.

“It’s in this line that I have always maintained that we must move away from voting based on tribe and religion, and begin to vote for people with competence, capacity, character, and compassion, because we have all seen, painfully, what leadership without these qualities has done to our country.” Further emphasising the importance of the aforementioned qualities, Obi stressed that Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them.

“Competence because Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them. Capacity because it is not a ceremonial position; it requires strength, stamina, and the mental energy to confront our complex challenges.

“And above all, leadership must be rooted in character and integrity because without integrity, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over. But perhaps most importantly, we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored,” Obi added.

News

Hon. Andrew Uzamere: Redefining Legislative Representation

Published

10 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

By Anthony Osazuwa

Two years ago, Hon. Andrew Uzamere stepped into the Edo State House of Assembly as the representative of Ovia North East Constituency II.

Today, as we reflect on his journey so far, it is evident that he has brought a refreshing approach to legislative representation — one rooted in accessibility, responsiveness, and impact.

In the Edo state House of Assembly, Hon. Uzamere has consistently raised his voice for policies and legislation that benefit not only his constituency but the entire state. His participation in debates and sponsorship of motions reflect his deep commitment to education, security, youth empowerment, and community development. But beyond the chambers, it is his grassroots-driven leadership that truly distinguishes him.

From school renovations to clean water access, the evidence of his work is visible across the constituency. He facilitated the renovation of Eweka Primary School in Obagie-Uwaifiokun community and oversaw the provision of boreholes in underserved areas like Gelegele, Ite, and Iguzama — demonstrating his focus on basic yet life-changing amenities.

Education, a key pillar of his agenda, has received notable attention. He paid WAEC fees for over 500 indigent students in public schools, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship. In addition, through regular empowerment programs, hundreds of constituents — particularly women and young people — have received tools, training, and start-up support, paving the way for self-reliance and economic growth at the local level.

Despite the usual political speculation that comes with public office, Hon. Uzamere has remained unwavering in his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — the party through which he earned the mandate to serve. He has repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to the party and its ideals, choosing to stay focused on delivering democratic dividends rather than being distracted by political noise.

Perhaps most commendable is his consistent presence among the people. Through town halls, constituency meetings, and day-to-day interactions, Hon. Uzamere has proven that representation is not about occupying a seat, but about staying connected to the people’s concerns and working every day to address them.

As he marks his second year in office, it is clear that Hon. Andrew Uzamere is not just holding a political position — he is redefining what it means to represent a people. With two more years ahead in his current tenure, the constituents of Ovia North East Constituency II have every reason to believe that even greater achievements lie ahead.

Here are some of the lists of projects embarked upon by Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere that have earned him the name, Mr. Projects

WATER PROJECTS – Boreholes with Generators
Provision of motorized boreholes and generating sets across communities:

1. Gelegele Community – Oduna Ward (Completed)
2.Ekewan-Waterside – Oduna Ward (Completed)
3.Iboro Community – Oduna Ward (Completed)
4.Ugbineh-Urhobo Camp – Oduna Ward (Completed)
5. Ite Community – Utoka Ward (Completed)
6.Iguzama Community – Iguoshodin Ward (Completed)
7.Igueze Community – Okada East Ward (Completed)
8.Egbeta Community – Uhen Ward (Completed)
9.Iguomo Community – Okada West Ward (Completed)
10.Okada Community – Okada West Ward (Ongoing)
11.Oduna Community – Oduna Ward (Ongoing)
12.Utese Community – Uhen Ward (Ongoing)
13.Olumoye Community – Uhen Ward (Ongoing)
14.Ugbuwe Community – Uhen Ward (Ongoing)

EDUCATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Rebuilding schools, markets, and classrooms for a better tomorrow:

Igo Community Market – Oghede Ward (Completed)

1 Block of 6 Classrooms – Emaba Primary School, Iguoshodin-Ngbemaba
→ With furniture, headmistress office and toilets (Completed)

2 Blocks of 9 Classrooms – Oghede Secondary School
→ With furniture, principal’s office & toilets (Completed)

1 Block of 6 Classrooms – Primary School, Obagie-Uwaifiokun
→ With furniture, headmaster’s office & toilets (Ongoing)

Reconstruction of 3-Classroom Block – Uhen Mixed Secondary School, Uhen Ward (Ongoing)

EDUCATION SUPPORT – Scholarship Scheme
WAEC/NECO Scholarship Programme

→ Over 200 indigent students in public secondary schools across the constituency (Completed)

SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS – End-of-Year Palliatives
Annual End-of-Year Palliatives (Since 2023)
→Distribution of bags of rice and at least 1 cow per ward across:
▪️ Oduna Ward
▪️ Utoka Ward
▪️ Iguoshodin Ward
▪️ Okada East Ward
▪️ Okada West Ward
▪️ Uhen Ward
▪️ Oghede Ward

Aimed at supporting families during the festive season (Ongoing annually)

PROJECT SUMMARY
14 Borehole Projects (9 Completed, 5 Ongoing)
5 Education & Market Projects (3 Completed, 2 Ongoing)
Scholarship Scheme (200+ Students Sponsored – Completed)
Palliatives Distributed Across All 7 Wards

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